How To Light a Kerosene Heater

It is possible to provide warmth to small rooms and spaces outside of the home with kerrosene heaters.If you use a model with an automatic ignition system, you can simply press and release the central ignition lever, or lift the burn chamber and hold it.

Step 1: Pick up a container of the right grade of fuel.

1-K kerosene has been refined to burn clean without leaving a scent.There is a chance that your model uses a different type of fuel.It is advisable to read the instruction manual before attempting to fill the fuel tank.The water-clear and red dyed varieties of kerosene are safe to use indoors.Most hardware stores and home improvement centers sell 1-K kerosene.

Step 2: The base of the heater has a fuel cap on it.

To open the cap, twist it counterclockwise.The fuel tank cap is attached to a short cord, which will prevent you from losing it.The fuel tank cap may be hidden beneath the access panel.

Step 3: The fuel tank should be filled with kerosene.

The manual siphon pump can be inserted into the fuel tank and straight tube into a separate container.The fuel can be transferred from the container to the tank by squeezing the pump.You should keep a close eye on the fuel gauge at the base of the unit to make sure you don't overfill.If you want to be safe, always refill your fuel tank outdoors.

Step 4: It's a good idea to let the wicks soak for an hour before lighting your heater.

It's important to make sure the wicks have time to soak in the full fuel tank if you've never done it before.The knob at the center of the unit should be turned all the way to the left to put it in the down position.Until it is completely submerged, this will lower it into the kerosene.Before lighting your first kerosene heater, read through the instructions that came with it.Most manufacturers recommend soaking the wick for at least 60 minutes before use, but the guidelines for your model may be slightly different.

Step 5: To move the wicks into the on position, turn the knob to the right.

The internal burn chamber can be raised by rotating the knob clockwise.You can either light it with the press of a button, or manually using a match.

Step 6: The automatic ignition lever is located at the base of the heater.

The small button at the bottom of the base is where the automatic ignition lever is located on most models.The lever needs to be pushed down until it stops moving.The internal igniter is close enough to catch the rising fumes.When you see the candle has been lit, quickly release the lever.When the igniter is in the on position, it should hover just above the wick.It could be that the igniter is out of place.It will need to be adjusted manually in order to operate correctly.

Step 7: The ring of flames should be adjusted to a height of 2 inch.

The flames should reach the recommended height above the flame dispersal disk if the knob is turned left or right.A small window near the burn chamber makes it easy to check the flame height.The flames should be checked periodically to make sure they stay at the proper level.It's a good idea to turn the knob counterclockwise and clockwise to elevate it.It is a matter of safety to adjust the flame height.If the flames are too high, the fire could cause a lot of smoke and soot.It could increase the risk of an accidental fire or carbon monoxide poisoning if they are too low.

Step 8: To shut off the heater, you need to turn the knob clockwise.

Don't release the knob until you're done using the heater, twist it as far to the left as it will go.To put out the flames safely, turn the knob to the left.You'll get used to it after a few uses.

Step 9: Release the knob and push the shut-off button.

The shut-off button is located to the left of the knob.Let the knob go until it returns to its neutral position.In order to put out the wick, both of these actions must be performed at the same time.Look in the window or open the door to see if the flames have gone out.Wait at least 10 minutes to relight your heater after it's been extinguished.This will give the unit time to return to a safe operating temperature.

Step 10: You can open the door on the body of the heater.

The burn chamber has access to this door.It is located on the front side of the heating element.Pull the small peg handle to swing the door.The only time you should open the door is if you can see that the fire is out.

Step 11: Use the burner knob to lift the burn chamber.

The bottom of the burn chamber has a metal knob attached to it.Pull up the knob and raise the burn chamber to expose the wick.Whenever you need to change the position of the burn chamber, you can use the burner knob.The burner knob is made of non-conductive metals.It is possible for you to handle it safely at any time.Some kerosene heaters do not have doors or hatches.The burner knob on the outside of the unit is above the shut-off button.

Step 12: You can hold a lit match.

Attach the head to the raised burn chamber with a match.Touch the match to ignite it.You could get burned if you reach too far into the open heater.It might be helpful to have someone else hold the burn chamber as you guide the match in.Use grill matches with long sticks if you are worried about burning yourself.

Step 13: The flame height should be 2 inch.

Once the flames reach half an inch beyond the flame dispersal disk, switch the knob back and forth.The knob can be turned to the left or right.When the flames reach the recommended height, close the door of the heater.You can come back and check the flame height.The flames need to remain at 2 inch.

Step 14: To turn off the heater, lower the wick to the "off" position.

When you are done heating the room, you can change the knob to the left to decrease the intensity of the flames.The knob should be held steady.You need to hit the shut-off button and let go of the knob at the same time in order to make sure the heating is off.

Step 15: To put out the flames, hold down the shut-off button.

The shut-off button is on the left of the knob.Slowly, release the knob.Once it returns to its original position, the flames should go out.It's a good idea to hold off on re lighting your heater for at least 10 minutes while it cools down.